Dr. Kalinsky Discusses the Evolution of HER2+ Breast Cancer

Kevin Kalinsky, MD, MS, assistant professor of medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, discusses the evolution of treatment for patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

In the last 2 years, the treatment for this patient population has significantly changed. This is based on the results of the CLEOPATRA study, which showed a nearly 15-month overall survival advantage with upfront pertuzumab (Perjeta) plus trastuzumab (Herceptin) with docetaxel. These data, plus the findings from the EMILIA study, which compared ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1; Kadcyla) to capecitabine plus lapatinib (Tykerb) in the second-line setting, have changed the landscape of initial treatment for these patients, Kalinsky says.

Now, there is a focus on identifying drugs that can penetrate the central nervous system (CNS). This is due to the high rate of patients with metastatic disease who develop brain metastases. Kalinsky says there is some good activity with agents that can penetrate the CNS, as well as treat the cancer in the body.